Etymed
excision
Definition
surgical removal of a part or organ by cutting
Clinical context
A 45-year-old patient presents with a painful lump in the neck that has been growing over several months. Physical examination reveals a firm, non-mobile mass in the thyroid region. The patient undergoes surgical excision of the mass, which is sent to pathology for definitive diagnosis. The excised tissue shows features consistent with a benign thyroid nodule. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully excises the lesion while preserving surrounding normal thyroid tissue and important anatomical structures.
Mnemonic
EXCISE = EXcision, Cuts In, Splits Out, Excises tissue